10 Habits that are costing you money at home

You may not realise the dent these habits leave in your pocket until you change or stop them. It may be a small percentage, but it can impact your finances over time.

You may struggle to save, pay bills more frequently, or register no change in your lifestyle.

Read on for habits you can change around the house to control your expenses better. Don't miss dietitians talking about 5 nutrition red flags to spot in packed foods.

1. Using disposable products

Disposable products can be convenient at certain times like parties. If you have a habit of buying disposable products it can strain your expenses, because they are expensive and increase your garbage disposal expenditure. Opt for reusable alternatives whenever you can.

2. Buying bottled water

Boiling water or getting a purifier is cheaper in the long run than buying bottled water. It is costly and fills your garbage faster.

3. Leaving lights on

Light bulbs look like small power-consuming appliances but leaving them on affects your monthly bill. During the day, open windows and doors as much as possible to get fresh air and natural light. At night, switch off light bulbs in rooms that are not in immediate use.

4. Leaving electronics plugged in

Poor phone charging etiquette comes into play for high monthly bills. It is easier to leave electronics plugged in for convenience when you want to charge or watch something. This habit puts your electronics at risk of electric damage and increases your electricity bill.

5. Over-cleaning your house

Schedule your general cleaning and minor house cleaning for a lighter water bill. You don't have to clean everything you use. You can opt for dusting, removing left-over food from plates, sweeping, and wiping to keep your surroundings clean before your cleaning day.

6. Impulse purchases

Always have a list or awareness of what you need and want. Impulse buying can lead to overspending and regret. Always stick to your shopping list for all your needs and wants.

7. Not planning for meals

If you don't plan for meals you will have highs and lows in your meal budget. The highs include buying expensive food and the lows include unhealthy foods. Plan your grocery shopping for a longer period to avoid spontaneous expensive foods.

8. Neglecting small repairs

Small repairs turn into big and expensive problems if ignored. Stay updated on your repair and maintenance and fix issues as soon as possible.

9. Paying set prices

When it comes to bills for services, it's easy to assume that they are non-negotiable. You will never know if you can get discounts or better rates unless you ask.